Industrialization in America

Early Industrialization

Early in the 19th century, America was mostly an agricultural economy with the exception of a few eastern textile mills and workshops.

Feb 2, 1819

Corporations Are Legally Defined

After the case between Dartmouth College V. Woodward, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision by legally defining a corporation. This now meant that private corporations were fully compliant with the law. A corporation meant that people could invest in a company without being held liable for the outcome of the compay.

Jan 1, 1820

Industry Expands

WIth the development of new technologies such as the steam engine, companies, especially textile mills, can now feasably expand and have separate branches.

Jan 1, 1820

The Steam Engine changes Industry

Early on these 'fire engines', as they were called then, were only used in textile mills and power looms due to their enormous size. However with advances in technologies and more compact design, the steam engine made its way into factory machines and allowed for more efficient production of consumer goods. With manufacturing now being aided by engines instead of human labor, many people became de-skilled and were appointed to do a simpler tasks.

Mar 15, 1835

Transportation Industrialized

As production became more efficient and out put grew, transportation became a key part in industrial growth. Investment into canals and railroads grew. This expansion in transportation connected the U.S.'s major industrial areas and allowed for faster movement of goods neccessary to keep up with the increasing pace.

Jan 1, 1863

John D Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company

During this period of rapid industrial growth and innovation, companies needed a cheap, sufficient supply of fuel. John D Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company provided a solution for these companies and their new products. A home grown fuel source help the United States rise toward becoming the largest industrial nation in the world.

Jun 22, 1865

Industry expands to the south

After the Civil War destroyed land, crops and slaves, Southern farmers were forced to look for new ways of making income. Industry provided an outlet for some southerners.

Mar 10, 1872

Carnegie's Steel Mill

With the completion of a steel mill in America, a cheaper,stronger steel could now be used buildings, equipment, and transportation. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Alabama all became industrialized states during this period and people began rapidly moving to the cities due to an industrial boom.

Jan 1, 1876

Connecting Industry

During this period many new inventions were taking industry by storm. Over 440,000 were granted in the US. One notable invention was the telephone which allowed an Industrial Headquarters to contact a smaller branch in a matter of seconds. This greatly increased the efficiency and profitability of a company.

Jan 1, 1880

Industrial Expansion through Immigration

During the period from 1880 to 1900, a flux of immigrants came over to America and was called the age of mass immigration. Due to this immense population increase, industrial employers could now pay lower wages and make more profits, allowing companies to expand.

Jan 1, 1900

Industry in the Twentieth Century

With industry rapidly expanding, more workers were needed to work in factories. This allowed women, blacks, and immigrants to join the work force. Companies usually payed them less however, and provided harsh working conditions. With companies mistreating their workers unions started to gain importance in the new century.

Jan 1, 1908

Henry Ford Creates an Assembly Line

Before assembly lines, skilled workers would craft a piece of an object and modify it until it worked. With an assembly line now in America, industries could now make use of mass production. Mass production allowed companies to make more faster and cheaper and allow for replacement part.

Jan 1, 1910

The Automobile and Industry

With the opening of the Ford Motor Company, Americans now had easy access to rapid transportation. The automobile had astounding effects on industry. Industry employers and workers could now rapidly move about huge cities, saving them time and money. Also workers could now work farther distances from home allowing companies more selection in their employees. Overall the automobile helped further connect industries all over the nation.

Apr 17, 1917

Industrial Boom in WW1

When America entered WW1 industry, experienced an abundance of growth. Industry could not keep up with the demands of the government and had to expand. This expansion left a much higher percentage of people living in the cities as well as the development of tycoons.

Jan 1, 1918

Industry Takes Flight

As industry was buffered with new technologies, even air was conquered by industry. In 1910 Edson Gallaudet founded the Gallaudet Engineering Company which was devoted to providing America with planes. In 1918 however, the company started mass producing the Curtiss Floatplanes and allowed Industry to be able to ship their products more efficiently and cost-effectively. With the addition of airplanes, Industries all over the world were revolutionized and were becoming more dependant of each other

Jan 1, 1936

Computers in Industry

As the first programmable computers we built,machines were being driven by computers and not people. Machines worked more efficiently with computers and allowed for more profitability.

Dec 7, 1941

Industrial Boom in WW2

Just as WW1 had provided industry with substantial growth, so did WW2. In fact WW2 had such a huge impact on industry that it shaped American Industry into what it is today. With the onset of WW2, US industries were providing supplies to the Allied Powers. This helped them to expand their markets to other countries. Many industries were now becoming (some companies were already international corporations) international corporations that provided several countries with thier products.

Apr 17, 1950

Commercialism Expands

WIth the invention of the television in the 40's and WW2, television companies were thriving and selling their products to masses of people. With so many people with T.V.s commercials became an important part in the success of a company. T.V.s allowed companies to show off their products without the consumers even having to leave thier own homes.

Jan 1, 1960

Foreign Business Challenges Local Business

In the 60's industry all over the world was becoming increasing more competitive. This can be seen in the auto industry. Ford, GM, and Chrysler (The Big Three) were threatened by imports from Volkswagen, Fiat, Renault, Datsun, and Hillman. Foreign industries were starting to make their way into American markets, forcing American companies to make their products better (or cheaper) than foreign companies. This allowed Industry to progress rapidly.

Dec 15, 1975

Satelite Business Systems

In 1975 SBS (Satelite Business Systems) provided industry with the use of private satelites for business. Satelites provided communication with anyone around the world in seconds and helped further globalize industries. Industries could now get their ideas and products virtually anywhere.